The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspected oil thieves operating in the state.

The state Commandant of the NSCDC, Olatunde Maku, during the parade of the suspects, on Friday, vowed to step up the fight against crude oil theft, illegal oil bunkering and petroleum products black market racketeering in Anambra.

Maku said the operation was carried out by the joint operating team of the anti-vandalism squad of the command, headed by ACC Chinenye Chinwez,e and the Nigerian Navy.

He said, “The three suspects: Okechukwu Okeke, ‘m’ aged 28, from Ojoto, Idemili South; Emeka Chukwuma, ‘m’ aged 34, from Akili-Ozizor, Ogbaru, both in Anambra State; and Ifunanya Ike, ‘m’ aged 29, of Mbano, Imo State, respectively, were arrested on Thursday, March 28, along Atani Road in Odekpe community in Ogbaru.

“They were conveying 65 kegs of 25 litres each of suspected adulterated automotive gas oil estimated to be about 1,625 litres in two shuttle buses – one a white coloured bus with plate number, Anambra AWK 429 XY, and an ash coloured bus with registration number, Anambra GDD277XB.

“Preliminary investigation carried out revealed the illegally refined products were loaded at Ogbakuma community and headed to Okoti community both in Ogbaru of Anambra.

“I want to commend the Nigerian Navy for their support in the fight against criminality in the state. This type of synergy is what is needed to wage a full-scale war against perpetrators of the heinous crime.”

He further stated that the NSCDC, as the “lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure,” remained focused on freeing Anambra State of illegal petroleum products racketeering and other related criminalities.

Job well done.